Pneumatic pump



Nov. 16, 1926. V 1,607,335 J. J. BROWN PNEUMATIC PUMP Filed Jan. '7, 1926 l 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 `jin-H11 J. Elrmwn Nov. '16', 192e, 1,607,335 J. J. BROWN PNEUMATIC PUMP Filed Jan. 7. 1926 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Nov.16,l926.

J. J. BROWN PNEUMATIC PUMP Filed Jan, '7, 1926 3 Sheets-Shea? 3 u z: Jm w i 1 5 L W w// i lli /0 T. I llllllllllll 1| n n n :+1 0 7 0/ /v M Patented Nov. 16, 1926.

JOHN J. BROWN, or olaroiiefo,l ILLINo-rs.

PNEUMATIC fumi.

Application filed January 7, 192e. 'serial no. 79,336.

This invention relates to improvements in pneumatically operated pumps'.

rilhe primary object this invention is the provision of van improved type of pneumatic pump which includes the provision of al plurality of liquid dispensing compartments cooperatively arranged in a pressure communicating relation, and embodying cooperative pressure regulating valve 'and float mechanisms to permit the alt-ernate 'emptying and relilling of the tanks.

A further object of this invention is the provision of an improved type of pneumatic pump such as is set forth in my Patent #1,551,639, granted Sept. l, 1925, and embodying specific improvements over the pump apparatus shown in that pat-ent, in the provision of a novel and eliicient balancing and operating connection between the exhaust valve mechanisms.

The improved pump apparatus further'- more includes novel operating features which will obviate mechanical float locking means to maintain the same in lower Aposition, and thus including a simplied structure over my patent above referred to. Y

A further object of this invention is the provision of a pneumatic pump apparatus, embodying a plurality of sets of liquid dispensing compartments, with a common balancing chamber adapted to receive water or a liquid to be dispensed, and embodying pressure communication between the compartments of the tanks Avia the balancing chamber, with improved vvalve means' for regulating the pressure communication thru said balance chamber. Y

A further object of this invention is the provision of novel float operated pressure inlet and exhaust Valve mechanisms in connection with pneumatic pump apparatus.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent during the course of the following detailed description.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, and wherein similar reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, l Figure l is a longitudinal sectional view taken thru my improved pump apparatus, 'showinga pair of pumps, with the left hand liquid dispensing compartment in position for discharging of water lor liquid, and the right hand liquid dispensing compartment fullof the water or other liquid.

Figure v'2 is a vertical sectional view taken through the pump apparatus, showingthe parts arranged differently than that 'illustrated inFigure '1; the left hand compartment lin this view showing `the parts in position with the left compartment nearly 'empty of liquid, and the right hand liquid compartment about to start the vliquid discharging operation.

i Figure 3 is a view of details of the pump structure as illustrated in Figures l and 2, with the parts arranged indifferent positions than thosetiguires, the left hand` Pdtrndilt'or punir Stdtfdrp in thSrfeure being vshown with the details 'arrangedfor the start ofrefill of liquid in said compartmend and ppp 'den pdpd ld'dpid dispensing compartment with details in position ashort time after the liquidhas commenced to discharge. y

Figure 'l ris a view of details of the pump structure, showing the left hand pump compartment withtl'ie same full 0f liquid, and the right hand compartment discharging liquid.

Figure is a cross sectional view taken substantially on Vthe line 5-'5 of Figure l. Figure 6 isa crossl sectionalview `taken substantially on the ,line 6 6 of Figure l.

Figure 7 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view showing the valve cooperating parts of` fthe j pneumatic pump structure, clearly illustrating the operative relation of pressure inlet and exhaust valves and ports.

1n the drawings, wherein for the purpose of illustration is shown only a preferred empodppppp of php improved pump structure, the 'letterA may generally designate the improved pump structure,- which comprises tanks or tubes B and C having a head casting vorcapv D atthe top thereof, and a `base E, preferably ametal casting. The tubes 0r tanks B and C yare hollow cylindrical in form, and preferably thedsamewdimension, and maybe ofbrass. YThey are Aopen ,at bot-h ends, and at their upper and lower ends fit into annular grooves yl() provided in the head D and base E. These tubes or tanks maybe ,threaded IitO Athe head 11d hdsl@ plates, if desired, butth'e preferred vassemblage is that of providing groovesin which tofit, andV connecting the head and 'base plates together by means of tie rods 12, which may be positioned either interiorly or exteriorly of the compartments 13 and 14 of the tanks B and C respectively. The tube connections with the head and base plates may have a ground fit, or may be sealed by means of packing.

Preferably integral with the head plate D is a dome or casing 15, providing a balance chamber 16 therein, with ports 17 and 18 which communicate thru the head plate D respectively with the tank compartments 13 and 14. The balance chamber or compartment 16 is thus common to both of the water chambers of the tanks B and C.

The base plate or casting E is provided with bosses 2O and 21, providing pockets 22 and 23 respectively facing the tanks B and C in communicating relation with the compartments 13 and 14 thereof., Ports 25 are provided in these bosses or portions 20 and 21, thru which water inlets from the well to the tanks B and C. Disc valves 26 and 27 are provided for controlling the inlet of water thru the ports 25 into the tanks B and C respectively, and these disc valves are provided with valve stems 28 which are slidable axially of their respective compartments.

Liquid discharge conduits or tubes 29 and 3() are disposed in the water compartments or chambers 13 and 14 of the tanks B and C respectively, and extend from close to the bottom of said tanks, just above the valves 26 and 27, thru the head D of the pump A. These water discharge pipes extend upwardly thru the water in the well, and it is preferred that the discharge pipe 29 have an elbow 31, and a horizontal connection 32 which leads into connected relation by means of a coupling 33 with the pipe 30. The main discharge pipe 35 extends upwardly to any suitable location. Return check valves 36 and 37 are preferably provided in the water discharge lines 2S) and 30 respectively.

The tanks B and C are respectively provided with air pressure inlet ports 38 and 39, and the head plate D is preferably provided with bosses 40 and 41 above these ports 38 and 39 respectively, having screw threaded 'openings therein for detachably receiving the screw threaded lower ends of air pressure conduits or pipes 42 and 43 respectively. The air supply pipes 42 and 43, at their upper ends are provided with elbows 44 and 45 respectively, from which extend nipples 46 and 47, in a connected relation with a special T-type of three way cock 48. The main air supply line 49 enters the other branch of Vthe three-way cock 48, and by a rotary manipulation of the two port cone or valve member 50 of the valve 48, air may be directed selectively to either water chamber of the pump, exclusively ofthe other, or to both chambers of the tanks B and C simultaneously. Normally, the three Way valve 48 acts merely as a T fitting, and the air pressure line 49 is opened to both tanks B and C.

From the top of the dome or casing 15 extends an air exhaust pipe or conduit 52, which has a screw threaded connection in a screw threaded socket 53 provided in the top of the casing or dome 15. rllhis pipe extends above the surface of the water in which the pump is submerged. A conduit extension 54, preferably integral with the casing 15 depends into the balance chamber 16, preferably axially thereof,.having a pas-` sageway aligning with the passageway of the exhaust pipe 52, and the lower end of this pipe or extension 54 is open, immediately adjacent the top surface of the head plate D.

Air pressure inlet valves 55 and 56, of the mushroom type, are seated on the head plate D, directly over the ports 38 and 39 respectively, and elongated valve stems 58 are connected therewith, extending thru the ports 38 and 39 respectively, into the tank compartments 13 and 14, for cooperation with certain float controlled means to be subsequently described. It is to be noted that the mushroom air inlet valves 55 and 56 are soassociated that their weight will rest upon the said plate D to close the ports 38 and 39, if nothing obstructs the normal tendency of said valves to gravit-ate to closed position. Preferably integral with the head plate D, and extending below the bottom surface thereof, are lugs 60 and 61, which respectively extend from about the center of the plate D int/o the compartments 13 and 14 respectively. rThe lugs are in t-he nature of a double bracket formed on the head plate, and valve operating levers 62 and 63 are respectively pivoted thereto by means of pins 64 and 65 respectively.

Hollow cylindrical vfloats 67 and 68 are preferably provided for the compartments 13 and 14 respectively, having connection by means of rods 69 and 70 respectively, with the valve operating` levers 62 and 63 respectively, between the ends of the latter; said rods being connected to their respective valve A' operatingrlever arms, by means of pins 72. The floats in lieu of being hollow cylinllO drical, may be of any other approved shape,

suitable for the purpose hereinafter described.

Exhaust valve tubes '75 and 76 are slidably mounted on the head D, respectively extending freely thru the air exhaust ports 17 and 18, and adapted for air exhausting cooperation and air pressure communicating cooperation with the tanks B and C respectively. Upper and lower brackets 77 and 78 are provided for each of these tubes 75 and 76, having aligning apertures therein for slidably supporting said tubes at their upper i Cgi and lower ends in a non-vibratoryand detinite sliding relation with respect to their respective exhaust ports.

The pilot tubes 7 5 and 76 preferably extend into the upper portions of the dispensing compartments 13 and 14 respectively, and therein 'hreadably support in a detachable relation exhaust valves 8O and 81, which are of disc formation with the respective exhaust tubes axially arranged'thereon. These valves 8O and 81 are preferably provided with ring packing 82, adapted to seat against certain annular projections 83 provided about the exhaust ports 17 and 18 and said valves are adapted when in such position to close the exhaust ports 17 and 18 with respect to their dispensing compartments 13 and 14 of the tanks B and C. The valves 8O and 81 are provided with passageways 85 and 86 therethrough, and the said exhaust valves have tubular extensions 87 and 88 at the bottom thereof, thru which the passagevvays 85 and 86 extend, .in aligning relation With the passageways et the tubes 75 and 76. These tubular extensions 87 and 88, infact form seats against which pilotV valves 90 and 91, respectively carried by the float operated levers 62 and 63, may seat, to close oft communication ot'the passagevvays of the pilot tubes 7 5 'and 76 from their respective tank compartments 13 and 14. The pilot valves 90 rand 91 are really formed of rubber discs, held in place by means oi adjustable screw threaded plugs 95 and 96, as clearly illustrated in Figure 7 of the drawings.

Referring to the operation of the device, and iii-st referring to Figure 1 oi' the drawings, air under pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, is :ted into the tank compartment 13, from the air pressure line 42, the air ressure inlet valve 55 being hel'd in an elevated relation to open the port 38, by means ot the ii'oat 67, which is suspended upon the liquid in the compartment 13, in such position as to hold the valve operating lever 62 elevated, as is illustrated in Figure 1 oi the drawings. The inlovving compressed air displace-s the water from the compartment 13, forcing the-same upwardly thru the discharge line 29, and into the main discharge line 35, to` any suitable location. The water inlet valve 26 is of course main- `ainetL seated incident to the air pressure in the compartment 13, which is .greater than the torce offered by the head of liquid in which the pump submerged. The exhaust port 17 is closed by reason of the closed position ot its exhaust valver80, and the passageway of the exhaust tube 75 is also closed by means ot ite` pilot valve 90, the latter two valves being closed over their respective port-s and passageway by reason of the rholding` of the valve controlling lever 62 in an elevated position, due tothe buoyancy of the float 67, which has not dropped to such an extent as to permit opening of the valves, as will be subsequently described. In the other tank compartment 14 the WaterL has filled the saine, and it is to be noted that in this position .the exhaust port controlli-ng valve v81 has dropped from closed position, so that the .tai'il'coi'npartment 14 and the balancing chamber compartment 16 are in con'iinunicating relation thru the exhaust port 18, so that the Water passes upwardly into the balancing chamber v16, entirely `displacing all air from the tank compartment 14, and the water level rises into the balance chamber 16 until the pressure of air entrapped therein is equal to the head of pressure causing the inflow of Water, and at which time the water inlet valve 27 will drop, as is obvious. Thus, it is obvious that, as is illustrated in Figure 1, When the tank B has discharged to the extent illustrated, the tank C is filled with water and is inactive. In this position of parts, the force ot the buoyancy exerted by the float 68 in its submerged condition. is insufficient to unseat the air inlet valve 5G, by reason or" the air pressure in the line 43 exerting a torce sutlicient to counteract the force of buoyancy of the float 68. This serves to 'prevent ascension of the float before the proper time.

Continuing with the description of the parts as illustrated in Figure 1, and assuming that the water in the chamber 13 has lowered until the vfloat 67 tends to drop from its position illustrated, and upon any turther downward drop of the fioat 67 the pull exerted thereby will vcause the valve lever (i2 to move downwardly, to unseat the pilot valve 90, uncovering the passageway 85 and consequently the air pilot tube passageway. It should be remembered, that a hydrostatic pressure exists in balance clifafinber 16, prior to such i'inseating` et the pilot valve corresponding with depth ot submerge'nce or' pump, and upon ope-ning ot' the pilot valve 90, to the position illustrated in Figure 2, air under pressure will rush from the tank coi'i'i'partment 13 upwardly thru the air tube 75, to a point 'in the air space above the liquid level in 'the balance chamber. The pressure builds up in this air space above the liquid level in the balance chamber until practically equal to that in the air pressure tank compartment 13. During this operation, whichk takes place instantly, the increased air pressure in the balance chamber will 'torce Some water thru the exhaust line 52. The 'tube 54, however, is water sealed at its lower end, and the entrance of air into the balance chamber is much lmore rapid than the 'escape ot an equal volume of water thru the disc'l'iarge tube 52, during equalizing of .pressure between 'the balance chamber and now lpractical-ly empty tank compartment 13. Since t'he pressures are about equal between the balance chamber 16 and compartment 13, the exhaust port controlling valve 8O will now drop, incident to its own weight. l1t is not forcibly opened, but drops only incident to gravity. The water in the balance chamber 16 can now escape thru the opened exhaust port 17 into water chamber 13.

Practically simultaneous with the above description, is the closing of the air inlet valve 55, which readily closes by gravity to shut oli' air pressure when the valve controlling` lever 62 has dropped incident to falling of the float 6T.

incident to building up of pressure in the balance chamber 16, as above described, thru the pressure communicating tube 75, the pressure in the balance chamber 16 will be congimunicated to the liquid body in the compartment 14, since it is seen from Figure 1 that the exhaust port 13 is open. The pressure at the inner side of the air pressure inlet valve 56 thus will rise to practically the pressure exerted on the said valve 56 by pressure in the line 43, As above mentioned, the valve 56 is held seated by air pressure thereagainst, and holds the float 68 from rising to its full extent, the force of subn'iergenee of said float being exerted against tle vlve 56 tending to unseat the same. lll hen the pressure is equalized at both sides of the valve 56, as above mentioned, the force of the float 68 opens the air pressure inlet controlling valve 56, so that the air pressure from the line 43 enters the tank compartment 14. Simultaneous with this operation, upon elevation of the float 68, the closing of the communicating port 18 takes place to effectively shut off communication between the balance chamber and the tank compartment 14, as can readily be understood. Upon opening of valve 56 and the air pressure introduction to the tank C, the water will be forced from the tank compartment 14, thru the discharge line 30, into the main discharge line 35.

All of the above operations are practi-' cally instantaneous, and the time interval between operations of valves is very small. It is to be' noted that all the water in the balance chaniber 16 does not exit therefrom until the air pressure regulating valve of the filled chamber has opened, and at this point the air pressure existing in the balance chamber is about equalized with the head pressure in the emptied compartment, so that the con'in'iunicating port between the balance chamber and tank compartment is open to permit drainage of the water from the balance chamber into the emptied compartment. lVhat water is not forced out through exhaust line 52, drains from the balance chamber into the discharged tank compartment, to break the water seal at the bottom of the tube 54, and the air pressure which exists in the balance chamber and the now discharged tank compartment 13 exhausts to the atmosphere thru the tube 52.

llfhen the tank compartment 13 is about at atmospheric pressure it is readily apparent that the force exerted by the head yof water in which the pump A is submerged will cause the inlet valve 26 to open to permit the introduction of water to the compartment 13 for the filling of the saine. As the water level in the compartment 13 rises the float is lifted until the free end of the float connected valve operating lever 62 engages the stem 58 of the air pressure regulating valve 55. The valve 55, however, remains seated, since the air pressure existing in the line 42 is much greater than the pressure in the tank 13, and the buoyant force of the float 67, of itself, is not sutiicient to unseat the valve 55, until the air pressures at both sides thereof are substantially equalized. As the water rises to the top of the compartment 13, the pilot valve 90 closes off the passageway of the air pilot tube 7 5. However, the valve 80 is not closed over the communirating port 17, since the lever arm 62 cannot elevate to such closing position,

being held by means of the closed valve 55. Y

This port 17 is open, so that the water may rise, after filling of the compartment 13, into the balancing chamber 16, andY the water rises therein until, as above mentioned, the nessure of air entrapped in the top of the balance chamber is equal 'to the pressure exerted by the head of liquid in which the pump is submerged, and at which time the tank B will be filled, as shown in Figure 4, and the inlet valve 26 will drop by gravity. 1Water will of course rise in the exhaust line 52, until level with the water of the well in which the pump is submerged. Any further action, towards discharge of water from the tank B, must be initiated by the pilot valve 91 being pulled from its seat over the passageway of the tube 7 6, whence the cycle. of pump operation above described, is again enacted for the tanks B and C. rThe action of each ofthe valve arrangements for the tanks B and C, are similar, and it is not believed that any further description of the same is necessary to understand that an automatic operation, and alternate ope-ration of the same takes place, as long as air pressure is applied to the pipes 42 and 43, and so long as the pump is submerged in the well sufficient to enable the water reaching a height in the balance chamber, so that the same will water-seal the main exhaust line at the lower end of the depending conduit 54 long enough to establish equivalency of air pressure between either water chamber, at the time of its ceasing to discharge, and the air pressure of the balance chamber.

rlhe pump is initially started by means of the three-way cock 48, or is again placed in operation at any time that the sameisin.- terrupted. To establish the cycleof operation the cock is turned to act to force saidzair. pressure to either Water chamber.- desired, and it is. subsequently turnedi to supply air pressure to both compartments as'soon as one Water chamber has been discharged .of its Water content, and While the other isl still full. The valve mechanism operating in a cooperative relation with the *floatanda-ir. pressure'. maintains the cycle ofoperationy of the pump structure automatic, after once started.

The balance chamber is ot such capacity and the submerged sealing tube 54. of lsuliciently restricted diameter, as toits passage-,. way, as to insure its being Water .sealed for` a sutiicient time to assure the accumulation. of air pressureV in the balance chamberand,v the maintaining oi' the same a proper vlength ot time to enable the valves in both Water. chambers to maneuver into their respective altered positions as above mentioned; After the unseating of either exhaustl valve the greater part of the'water remaining-'inthe balance chamber falls by gravity intopthe respective opened water chamber which has discharged or is discharging.

The invention possesses a novel featurein. the provision of the locked float, Whiclris. held in position against ytheforce exertediby its submergence, by the pressure holdingithe air inlet valve upon its seat; thefloatbeingl only released at the proper instant bythe counter balancing of the vresistingpressure: with an equal pressure .in an oppositey dircetion'from the tank compartment.

For use in relatively narrow Well casingsi the two Water chambers may be arranged sin. series, or tandem, that is, one. above. the; other. In the tandem arrangement the bals.. ancing chamber may be part. ofY theupperv Water tank, and the Alower tank may coinmnnicate With the balance chamber .tliliu suitable conduits or pipes, to efectthe pri-Ir. ciple of operation above described.,V

in lieu of the special three-Waycock, suit` able angle valves or cocks maybe provided in each air line 42 and 43'.

In lieu of the discharge `tube arrangement 52, any other construction may be vprovided, such as connecting the exhaust -line 52 into the bottom ot' the balance ,chamber in such manner that no air will escapetliru .thisl pipe until practically all the Water isout of' thebalancing chamber. A

The pilot tubes and Z6 ,above described are not absolutelyindispensable to assure the proper operation of the pump.. Thelair could be made to risethru the liquid .inthe balance chamber, by bubbling upwardly thru the Water. lThe tubes :75 and 76, .however, serve to quicken tbe action ot opera-l tion, and aid in getting'the water drained out ot' the ,balance chamber quickly after;k

reversal4 of cycleof operation is started, and

the Water seal no longer required. It is to be noted that after the unseatingi of the'air: exhaust valves, the air pressure from the respective water chambers continues to pass through the. pilot tube, While the Water inl the: balance-chamber fiows inthe opposite direction, draining into the Water chamber belom'ivhich has been partially or complete-v ly mptie'd. rrIrhe. pilot tube herelservesan important functionl i The pilot tubes T5-and 76 might, if pretei-red, rigidly fit in the tops of-their respectivewater dispensing compartments oi' thestanks Bv and` C. Tithvsuch rigid arrangement the upper ends of said tubes will be 'extended to the upper vpart of the balance. chamber, but it is possible that an eX- tra lever would have to be provided for eaclrpilot tube to control the pilot valve thereof. f i f From the foregoing description of. this invention it is'obvio/us' that a novel type ot' pneumatic pump has been provided `which operates efficiently, and embodies an 4automatic operating arrangement. I

isnot absolutelyffessential that the air inlet valves be balanced "inl the'. manne-r above describecL-if floats of suiiicient buoyanty power areemployed to overcome"there-y sistanceA of'ithe air pressureholding such valves seatediw.. L *iin rIn a Ilpn'euinatie pump embodying o the principle of this invention, in which the air` inletyalves are notbalanced, but inf which type` of pump the balancedexhaust valvefeature is used, .the air inlet 'valves nf'ill'have stems so short'asfnot to contact with? the floatclever in. ascent ofthe -latter,'until theeXhaust and pilot valves are practically? closed'. In thisv event the; afiirpressure inll'et val-ves may -be .so designed-that 'the' 'air pres'- sure resistance thereon Will only" bev a kfraction ort' ywhat is necessary when 'saidf air pressure :inlet valves are used-'to lock -th"ev float and-which cannot open unt-il' substantialilylbal-anced `in accurdance with the yabove described-feature. y

.The principles ofthe invention above described may be appliedvto the' one Water chamber type of pneumatic pump, such as seti ontli-Hin-my; Patent- #1,372,931, dated Marchy 29, y19212, in which c'ase the e-Xhaus't valve SQ 'of the present pump 'will beba-lanced .by reverse pressure fromth'e balance chamber after thegfioathas dropped and the consequent opening of "the pilot 'tn bcfpassagevvay has resulted, but in suclifltypelfopump the air pressure' inletl valve Wifi-l not be balanced, butfwillvonly'!open'-when the single yiv-aterj-chamber has lifted thedioa't member sufficient `tov exert'thefrequiredbuoyant rforce tofopen sa'id air'pressure inlet v.alve;` V if i' Y.

From the foregoing it Will be apparent CJD that the exhaust valve ot either water chamber, or of a simplex` pump embodying the principle oi' this invention, is balanced by reverse pressure trom the respective water chamber passing thru the pilot tube into the balance chamber after the float has dropped to unseat the pilot valve. However, as to the air pressure inlet valve ot either water chamber, the same is balanced by pressure communicated from the other water chamber by way et the balance. chamber which is common to both water chambers, so that in order to accomplish the balancing ot air pressure inlet valves at J(he n'oper time, Ea pump ot the duplex type is required, in which one water chamber is ready to receive air under pressure tor discharging` of water when the other water chamber has completed discharge ot water and is ready to begin exhausting oli air.

Various changes in the shape, size, and arrangement of parts may be made to thc zt'orm otinvention herein shown and described, without departing from the spirit ot this invention or the scope ot' the claims.

I claim:

l. A pneumatic pump comprising` a set ot' submerged receptacles having water inlets and outlets, means establishing pressure communication between the compartments of said receptacles including a balancechamber, air pressure inlet valves for each of said receptacles, valve means for each of the receptacles for controlling both the exhaust of air pressure and inlet of water from the respective receptacles into said balance chamber, a float for each receptacle, and means connecting said lioats for operation of said respective valve means above mentioned.

2. A pneumatic pump comprising a setof submerged receptacles having' water inlets and outlets, means establishing pressure communication between the compartments of said receptacles including` a balance chainber, air pressure inlet valves for each of said receptacles, valve means Jtor each of the receptacles for controlling` both the exhaust ot air pressure and inlet of water from the respective receptacles into said balance chamber, a float for each receptacle, means connecting` said floats for operation of said respective valve means above mentioned, and outlet means 'for the balance chamber thru which water from the balance chamber may be forced when air pressure is released into the balance chamber from either ot the receptacles.

8. In a pneumatic pump the combination of a set of tanks having compartments therein, means at the top ot said tanks providing a balance chamber, each of said tanks having a port therein communicatingJ the tank compartments with said balance chamber', air inlet port means for the tank compartments, valves `for the air inlet ports ot the tank compartments, floats for each of the tank compartments, movable lever meansY connected with the floats tor movement oit the valves, valves for each tank compartment for controlling the ports communicating the samewith the balance chamber, said valves being positioned Jtor operation by the float connected lever means to close said ports only when the air pressure inlet valves communicating with each Ot said compart-` ments ot' the tanks, air pressure inlet valves for regulating air pressure communicaticu with said compartments ot each or' the tanks, lioats ior each 01"' Y the tanks, levers movably connected in each of the compartments of the tanks and connected with said floats, said levers being iu the path ot' the air pressure inlet valves to engage the same incident to rise of the tloat to a predetermined location to hold the lioat in a submerged condition incident to inequality of air pressure at opposite sides et' the `air pressure inlet valves, and valve means controlling,v the ports which communicate the tank compartments with the balance chamber, said valve means being operatively connected with said lever to permit equalization of pressure between a tank which is .substantially empty and the balance chamber, and to maintain the port communication between said balance chamber and either tank compartment open to permit rising orn liquid into the balance chamber at a time when inequality ot pressure exists at opposite sides of' the respective air pressure inlet valve.

5. In a pneumatic pump the combination of a set of tanks having compartments therein, a balance chamber above. the tanks having ports communicating with each of the compartments of said tanks, means te .supply a'ir pressure to the compartments, air pressure inlet controlling valves for regulating' inlet et pressure to the tank conipartments,

-float means for each ot the tank compart- 1 ments, means cooperating with the Heat means to cause the air pressure inlet valves to open when the lloat means is buoyantly .supported and equality of pressure exists at both sides of the air pressure inlet valves,

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valve means.- for the iirst mentioned ports which communicate the tank compartments and the balancing chamber, said means Which cooperates With the float means operating said last mentioned valves to shut off the ports which communicate the tanks and balance chamber during discharge of the respective tank compartments, said float means when having dropped to a predetermined extent incident to discharge of Water from the tank compartment being adapted to permit opening of the valvesvvhich control said ports. between the tank compartments and balancing chamber to permit escape of air pressure from a discharging tank into the balancing chamber and thence into the other tank compartment to equalize the pressure at opposite sides oin the air pressure inlet valve of. said last mentioned tank compartment, said .air pressure inlet valves normally being held seated by air pressure during tillingof the tank compartments and until air pressure is communicated thereto from the balancing chamber.

6. In a pneumatic pump the combination of a set of tanks having ,compartments therein, water inlet means for each of the tanks, waterdischargemeans foreach of the tanks, floats ineach of the tanks, means for supplying air pressure to each of the tanks, valves for each of the tanks for controlling .the air pressure inlet thereto, lever means in each of the tank compartments connected in operative manner to said floats, .said lever means being adapted to engage said air pressure inlet valves to normally open the saine and holdthe same open upon balancing of the pressure at both sides of said airpressure valves, means providinga balancing chamberabove the .sets of tanks, said balancing chamber having ports communicatingwvith the compartments ot each ot' said tanks, and valve'means for said ports operatively-controlled by the float connected lever means to close the-ports While the air pressure inlet valves of the respective compartments are open, said valves for said ports being.. adapted to assume an open position when the air pressure inlet valves are closed and holding the float control lever means in positionto permit such opening of the ports.

7. In a pneumatic pump the combination of a set of tanks havingfcompartments therein, Water inlet means for each of the tanks,

Water discharge means for each oit the tanks, mea-ns for supplying air pressure to each of the tanks, valves for each of the tanks tor controlling `the air pressure inlet thereto,

'fioats for each .of the tank compartments,

le. 'er means in each of the tank compartments connected in operative manner tosaid floats,

saidlever means being adapted to engage said air pressure inlet valves to normally open the same and,l hold the same open upon,1

balancing offair pressure at both sides of said air pressure valves, means providinga balancing chamber. above the sets of tanks, said balancing chamber having ports communicating with the compartments ot each of said tanks, valve means forI said ports operatively controlled by the iioat connected lever means to close the ports While the air pressure 'inlet valves of the respective conipartments are open, said valves for said ports being adapted to assume an open pesition When the air pressure inlet valves are closed and holding the float control lever means vin position to permit `such opening olf the port, and means controlled by the 'float connected lever means to communicate the air 1essurev in a compartment of a tank Whic is discharging, when the float of said compartment has dropped to a predetermined extent, to the balancing chamber for increasing pressure in the other tank conipartment to equalize pressure at opposite sides of the air inlet valve of the latter compartment.

8. In a device for elevating Water by compressed air, a Water chamber having an air inlet opening therein, a valve cooperating With said airpressure inlet opening normal.- ly held seatedby the air pressure', float means operating' in the chamber tending to hold the air pressure inlet valve open responsive to buoyant force of the float means, Water inlet means for the Water chamber, Water discharge means for the Water chamber, a second Water chamber having an air pressure inlet opening therein, a valve for said opening normally held closed by the air pressure, float means for the second Water chamber, said float means-of ythe second Water chamber normallyY tending tounseat its airY pressure-inlet val-ve, the air pressure on said air pressure "inlet valves being such as to hold the valves closetL notwithstanding .the vbuoyant fore-c exerted by the float means until the pressures at each side `of said-air pressure inlet valves are subv stantially equalized, a balanclingy chamber, port means leading from the balancing chamber to cach of 'the Water chambers, and valve means operatingover said port means andv operabl",7 `controlled by thev float means of said Water chambers to lclose olf the balancing chamber :from the yWater chambers duringdischargeof either of the latter, said float means being adapted Vtoy open said valve means of the port means when the respectivetloat means has dropped to a predetermined-extent, in order to permit air pressure to flow fromthe discharging Water chamber `into the balancing` chamber for increasing pressure inthe other Water chamber for equalizi-ng pressures at opposite sides ofthe air pressure inlet valve therein.

A9. In a device for elevating water bycompressed air, a Water chamber-having an airinlet opening-therein, `a valve. Vcooperating 8 Leonesa with said air pressure inlet opening normally held seated by the air pressure, lioat means operating` in the chamber tending to hold the air pressure inlet valve open responsive to buoyant torce ol the Heat means, water inlet means for the Water chamber, Water discharge means tor the Water chainber, a second water chamber having an air pressure inlet openingV therein, a valve tor said opening normally held closed by the air pressure, 'float mea' 'i for the second Water chamber, said 'float means Ot the second Water chamber normally tending to unseat the air pressure inlet valve, the air pressure on said air pressure inlet valves being such as to hold the valves closed notwithstanding the buoyant torce exerted by the float means until the pressures at each side ot' said air pressure inlet valves are substantially equalizcd, a balancing chamber, port means leading from the balancing chamber to each oi? the Water cham-- bers, valve means operating over said port means and operably controlled by the Yfloat means of said Water compartments to close oli the balancing chamber from the -water chambers during discharge ot either o4 the latter, said float means being adapted te open said valve means et the port means when the respective iioat means has dropped to a predetermined extent, in order to per mit air pressure to lievi from the discharging Water chamber into the balancing chamber for increasing pressure in the other Water chamber for equalizing pressures at opposite sides of the air pressure inlet valve therein, the valve means for the port means of said balancing` chamber beingl such as to be gravity opened during the filling of the respective Water chamber to enable the Water to rise into the balancing chamber.

l0. In a device for elevating Water by compressed air, a Water chamber having an air inlet opening therein, a valve cooperating With said air pressure inlet opening normally held seated by the air pressure, lloat means operating in the chamber tending to hold the air pressure inlet valve open responsive to buoyant force of the float means, Water inlet means 'lor the Water chamber, Water discharge means for the Water chamber, a second Water chan ber having an air pressure inlet opening therein, a valve :tor said opening normally held closed by the air pressure, 'float means lor the second Water chamber, said float means of the second Water chamber normally tending to unseat the air pressure inlet valve, the air pressure on said air pressure inlet valves being such as to hold the valves closed notwithstandF ing the buoyant force exerted by the float means until the pressures at each side ol' said air pressure inlet valves are substantially equalized, a balancing chamber, portmeans leading from the balancing chamber to each or the Water chambers, valve means operating over said port means and operably controlled by the float means ol' said Water compartments to close oil' the balancing chamber trom the Water chambers during dischare ot either o'f the latter, said lioat means being' adapted to open said valve means ot the port means when the respective lioat means has dropped to a predetermined entenl, in order to permit air pressure to lionv l'rom the discharging Water chamber into the balancing chamber for increasing pressure in the other Water chamber lier equalizing pressures at opposite sides ci the air pressure inlet valve therein, the valve means lior the port means of said balancing chamber being such as to be normally open during the lilling oit the respective Water chambers to enable the Water to rise into the balancing chamber, Wat-er inlet valve means tor each of the Water chambers, means to enable discharge ci' the ivater from the Water chambers vvhen air Vpressure enters the Water chambers, said balance chamber being closed upwardly thereof to enable the Water to rise therein When one of the Water chambers is lilling until the entrapped air in the upper part oit the balancing chamber is under pressure substantially equal to the pressure exerted by the Water entering the inlet of the Water chambers to enable closing or' the Water inlet valve means et the Water chambers and stop Water from flowing into the filling water chamber and balance chamber.

ll. In a pneumatic pump the combination of a tank having a liquid dispensing' chamber therein, inlet valve means tor admitting liquid to the chamber, air pressure means ha ring an inlet portcommunicating With the Water chamber, a valve lior the air pressure inlet port normally held seated by air pressure, float means in the liquid chamber 0ll the tank, a movable lever in the tank chamber connected with the 'float means and adapted to engage the air pressure inlet valve tending to open the same when the float is buoyantly supported in the liquid tank, an exhaust port having communication With the tank chamber, a valve tor said exhaust port, said valve being adapted to be held seated over thc exhaust port by the lever means, said exhaust port valve having a port therethrough, and valve means carried by the lever means for controlling said last mentioned port. 1

l2. ln a pneumatic pump the combination ot a tank having a Water compartment therein, Water inlet valve means for the tank, Water discharge means tor the tank, air pressure means, said tank having a port for inlet ot the air ot the air pressure means thereto, an air pressure inlet valve for said port normally held closed by the air pressure, float means in the tank, lever means operated by the float means, .said lever means normally engaging the air pressure inlet valve tending` to unseat the same, said float incident to its buoyant `force being insutlicient to unseat said air pressure inlet valve until substantial equalizationV oi pres- Y sure existsat both sides or" the air pressure inlet valve, ya balance chamber having a port communicating with the tank compartment, an exhaust valve inthe tank compartment for said port which communicates between the balance chamber and tank compartment, said exhaust valve being of the Oravity operated type. to drop incident to its own Weight to open the port which communicates the balance chamber and tank compartment, said exh-aust valve being normally held closed by means ot the oat operated leverV means, a second port means connected between the balance chamber and tank compartment, a valve for said second port means controlled by the float operated lever means to permit escape o1e pressure from the tank compartment to the balance chamber when the'tank liquid has dropped to a predetermined level and so kthat the balance kchamber pressure may equalize with the tank compartment pressure to permit dropping oi the exhaust valve vto open the iirst mentioned port which communicates between the balance chamber and tank compartment. f Y

13. In a pneumatic pump the combination of a tank having a water compartment therein, water inlet .valve means for the tank, water discharge means for the tank,u air pressure means, said tank having a port for inlet of air from the air pressure means thereto, anair pressure inlet valvefor said port normally held closed by the air pressure, float means in the tank, lever means operated by the float means, said lever means normally engaging the air pressure inlet valve tending to unseat the same, said float incident to its buoyant force being insuilicient to unseat said air pressure inlet valve until substantial equalization of pressure existsat yboth sides ot' the air pressure inlet valve, a balance chamber having a port communicating with the tank compartment, an

.exhaust :valve in the tank compartment for said port which communicates between the kbalance chamber and tank compartment, said exhaust valve being of the gravity operated type to drop incident to its own weight to open the port which communicates the bal- -ance chamber and tank compartment, said exhaust valve being normally held closed to close the port by means of the ti-oat operated lever'means, a second port' means connected between the balance chamber and tank lcompartment, a valve for .said second port means controlled by the float operated lever -means to permit escape of air pressure to a predetermined .level and sothat the balance chamber pressure may equalize with the tank compartment pressure to permit dropping .of the exhaust valve to open the first mentioned port which communicates between the balance chamber and tank compartment, said balance chamber having the upper portion thereof sealed whereby upon liquid lilling of the compartment and balance chamber the air entrapped inthe upper portion of the balance chamber will be placed under pressure imtil equal to ithe pressure of thewater tending to enter isaidtank compartment and at which instant the Water inlet valve means Will close by gravity.

14. In a pneumatic pump the combination of a tank having a compartment therein, water inlet valve regulating means in the lower portion of the tank compartment, air pressure means, valve means in the upper portion ot' the tank compartment to control air pressure inlet to the tank compartment, said air pressure inlet valve means being normally held closed by air pressure, a float in the tank compartment, a lever pivoted in the tank compartment pivotally connected with said float whereby upon lift of the float incident to rising of the liquid in the tank compartment, said lever will engage the air pressure inlet valve normally exerting a force thereon to unseat the same but being incapable of unseating the same until substantial equalization of pressure exists at both sides of the air pressure inlet valve, a

port, a valve for said communicating port normally gravity operatedto drop to openv the port, said exhaust valve being in position to be operated by said lever,said exhaust valve having a port therethrough anda tube connected therewith extending upwardly thru the balance chamber, said lever having a valve thereon for regulating opening of the last mentioned port when the ioat has dropped to a predetermined extent in said tank compartment. f

15. In a pneumatic pump the combination of a pair of tanks having water compartments therein, water inlet valve means to regulate inlet of water to the compartments, means to permit the discharging of water from said compartments, air pressure means, said tanks having ports therein for inlet of the air pressure from said air ,pressure inlet means, air pressure inlet valves for said ports vnormallyheld seated by the air pressure exbuoyancy upon liquid in the tanks, a balance chamber having ports communicating with each ot Vth-e compartments of said tanks, valve means operatively controlled by said lever means tor said last mentioned ports to regulate communication between the balance chamber and respective tank compartments, and an exhaust pipe extending into the balance chamber and having an outlet adjacent the lower end ot the balance chamber, the upper end o'f said balance chamber being sealed.

16. 1n a pneumatic pump the combination ot a pair ot tanks having water dispensing compartments therein, water inlet valves tor each ot the tanks in the lower ends thereot, air pressure means having port communication with each ot said tanks, air pressure inlet valves tor said ports normally held seated to close the ports incident to air pressure, floats :tor each ot the tank compartments, levers pivoted in each ot the tank compartments having connection with said lioats to move upon rise and tall ot the floats, said levers being adapted to engage the air pressure inlet valves ot their respective tanks to normally tend to unseat the same responsive to buoyancy or the floats, the buoyancy ot the floats never ot itself being sutlicient to unseat the air pres sure inlet valves until equalization ci nr sure exists at both sides ot the valves, a casing providing a balance compartment having` ports communicating with each oi the compartments ot said tanks, valves in the compartments ot the tanks ior saidlast mentioned ports, said last mentioned valves being gravity operated to normally drop 'away trom their ports to open the same, said last mentioned valves being controlled by the lever means ot their respective tank compartments as to closing ot said ports which communicate between the tank compartments and said balance chamber, the air pressure of the tank compartments when greater than the air pressure in the balance chamber being` sutlicient to hold said last mentioned valves closed, said last mentioned valves having pilot tubes thereon slidably extending into the balance chamber and having passageways therethrough communicating at the upper portion ol' the balance chamber and at their lower ends having ports communicating in the respective tank compartments, a pilot valve carried by each ot the levers ot said tank compartments tor closing oli the ports ot said pilot tubes when the floats are elevated in the tank compartments toa predetermined extent, and a discharge tube extending into the balance chamber and having an outlet adjacent the lower end ot the balance chamber, the upper portion of the balance chamber being normally sealed.

17. In a pneumatic pump the combination of a tank having a water compartment therein, water inlet valve means for the tank, water discharge means for the tank, air pressure means, said tank having a port tor inlet ot the air ot the air pressure means thereto, an air pressure inlet valve for said port normally held closed by air pressure, lloat means in the tank, lever means operably connected with the ioatmeans adapted to engage the air pressure inlet valve to unseat the same at a predetermined interval of operation, a balance chamber having a port communicating with the tank compartment, an exhaust valve in the tank compartment tor said last mentioned port, said exhaust valve being ot' the gravity operated type to drop incident to its own weight to open the port which communicates the balance chamber and tank compartment, said exhaust valve being normally held closed by means or' the float operated lever' means, a second port being provided between the balance chamber and tank compartment, a valve tor said second port operably controlled by the lloat operated lever means to permit escape ot air pressure trom the tank compartment to the balance chamber when the tank liquid has dropped to a predetermined level so that the balance chamber pressure may equalize with the tank compartment pressure to permit dropping ot the exhaust valve to open the above mentioned port which eomnunicates between the balance chamber' and tank compartment. Y

18j ln a pneumatic pump the combination ot a set ot tanks having compartments therein, means providing a balance chamber, each ot said tanks having a port therein communieating the. compartment Yot said balance chamber, exhaust valves tor each of the tank compartments torv'said ports, air inlet port means for each or" the tank compartments, air inlet valves for said air inlet port means, 'lcats tor each ot the tank compartments, movable lever means connected with each ot the floats, said exhaust valves being otl the gravity operated typ-e to open incident to their own weight to communicate the balance chamber and respective tank compartments, said exhaust valves being normally held closed by the float connected lever means, a second port means connected between the balance chamber and each ot said tank compartments, valves for each of said second'port means controlled by the float connected lever means 'to permit escape ot air from the tank compartments to the balance chamber when the tank liquid in the respective compartments has dropped to a predetermined level and so that the balance chamber pressure may equalize with said tank compartment pressure to permit dropping of the exhaust valves to open the port which communicates between the balance chamber and tank compartment and permit escape of pressure from the said tank compartment into the balance chamber to communicate pressure to the other tank compartment.

19. A pneumatic pump comprising a set of submerged receptacles each having a compartment With a Water inlet and a Water outlet, valve means for controlling inlet of air pressure to each of said compartments, a balance chamber having ports communicating the same with the compartments of the receptacles to permit Water to enter the balance chamber thru said ports from the receptacles, a valve in each receptacle for the respective port which communicates with the balance chamber to control entrance to and drain of Water from the balance chamber with respect to the respective compartment, a float tor each receptacle compartment, and valve means operated by each 'float to control release of air pressure from the respective compartment to the balance chamber.

20. A pn-eumatic pump comprising a set ot submerged receptacles each having a compartment with a Water inlet and a Water outlet, valve means for controlling inlet ot air pressure to each of said compartments, a balance chamber having ports communicating the same with the compartments of thereceptacles to permit Water to enter the baiance chamber thru said ports from the receptacles, a valve in each receptacle for the respective port which communicates with the balance chamber to control entrance to and drain of Water from the balance chamber With respect to the respective compartment, a float for each receptacle compartment, valve means operated by each floaty to control release of air pressure from the respective compartment to the balance chamber, and outlet means for the balance chamber. thru which Water may be forced from the balance chamber when air pressure is re` leased into the balance chamber from either of the compartments of said receptacles. v

21. A pneumatic pump comprising a plu-y rality of submerged receptacles each having a compartment With a Water inlet and a Water outlet, means for feeding air pressure to each compartment including a port for each compartment, a gravity operated air pressure valve for regulating inlet 01"' air pressure to each compartment thru its port, each air pressure inlet valve being normally held seated by the air pressure tending to enter the receptacle compartment until a force is exerted against the Valve greater than the Weight thereof and to the torce of the air pressure tending to enter the compartment, a balance chamber having port communication with each of the compartments of the receptacles whereby to permit Water to enter the bala-nce chamber trom the compartments thru said ports, a gravity operated valve for each receptacle for controlling the port which communicates between the receptacle compartment and the balance chamber' 'for regulating inlet of Water from the compartment to the balance chamber and drain of Water from the balance chamber back into the receptacle compartment, sa c.

Vlast mentioned valves being or' a nature to be held seated When the air pressure in the respective receptacle compartments is greater than the pressure existing 1n the balance chamber, a float for each receptacle compartment, means controlled by rise and fall of the float to engage the air pressure inlet valve of the respective receptacle for opening the air pressure inlet valve When a suthcient pressure has entered the respective receptacle compartment from the balance chamber sutlicient to overcome resistance of the inlet valve, said last mentioned means including a valve arrangement for permitting air pressure to Venter the balance chamber from the respective compartment WhenV the float has fallen to a predetermined low level in the respective compartment, and outlet means Jfor balance chamber normally sealed by the Water in the balance chamber and thru which Water under pressure may vent.

JOHN J. BROWN. 

